TechStart supports student learning and teacher training through collaboration and funding. Key programs supported by TechStart include Teacher of the Year and Student of the Year awards.
CHECK OUT last year’s winners
The award is a two-part process beginning with a teacher or student being nominated. Each nominee then completes a more detailed application form.
Technology TEACHER of the year Awards
TechStart annually honors three outstanding K-12 Oregon and SW Washington technology teachers with the Technology Teacher of the Year Award, which comes with a cash stipend of $1,000 for their classroom to spend on tech education materials including hardware, software, services, or curriculum. Look for the chance to nominate teachers for the 2025 award in January 2025.
technology student of the year award
In 2025, TechStart will present a student of the year award to both a boy and girl high school student. Our student winner receives a $2,000 scholarship toward college tuition or related expenses. Look for the chance to nominate students for the 2025 award in January 2025.
TAo Tech awards student showcase
The Technology Association of Oregon’s 41st Annual Tech Awards will feature a student showcase sponsored and organized by TechStart. We will be showcasing the work of up to 12 student teams in a demonstration hall at the Tech Awards. Our goal is to showcase the diversity of our K-12 technology students and show off projects to leaders of Oregon’s top tech companies.
2025 NOMINATION AND AWARD SCHEDULE
March 17: Close nominations for students and teachers
April 1: Close application process for students
April 8: Close application process for teachers to recommend students and for teachers to apply after being nominated
April 17: Select and notify winners and invite them to the TAO awards
May 5: Present awards at the TAO Tech Awards event
Superquest
This Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association (OCSTA) program provides intensive, hands-on workshops to K-12 teachers statewide.
The Oregon Game Project Challenge (OGPC)
The Oregon Game Project Challenge is a statewide game programming competition that introduces students to computer programming basics while also educating them in science and current events.
Check out the 2024 podcast, proudly featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB): The Oregon Game Project Challenge lets students become game developers
OCSTA Spring and Fall Conferences
With TechStart’s support, OCSTA holds two conferences annually that include workshops and opportunities for teachers across the state to network and share best practices.
George Fox Programming Contest
This annual George Fox University statewide high school competition requires teams to solve challenging programming problems on tight time frames. Open to students of all skill levels, this event supports teamwork and simulates a real-world work experience.
ORTOP
TechStart provides coach training for the Oregon Robotics Tournament and Outreach Program (ORTOP), an affiliate of the global First LEGO League robotics competition.
Do you know of a program that TechStart should be supporting? Reach out to let us know.